News release

Ministers of Justice Meeting on Counter-Terrorism

Justice

Justice Minister Michael Baker pushed the federal government for change on a number of fronts at a meeting of federal, provincial and territorial justice ministers in Ottawa today. Mr. Baker is co-chair of the meeting, which is a continuation of one cancelled as a result of the Sept. 11 attacks. Much of this meeting is being devoted to counter-terrorism.

"Co-operation and collaboration are key to effectively responding to terrorist threats," said Mr. Baker. "We have to be better at sharing information to improve integration and co-ordination. We now have assurances from the federal government that communication will be improved."

He noted the federal anti-terrorism bill was welcomed. However, questions were raised about the impact on provincial resources.

"Provinces can not be assigned the sole responsibility for the investigation and prosecution of terrorist acts," said Mr. Baker. "It's a national issue -- a national problem." A framework for the process to investigate and prosecute such offences will be developed.

Mr. Baker also pushed for clearer direction regarding the National Sex Offender Registry.

"We had agreement in September that a national registry would be established. We won't allow the federal government to back away from that commitment," he said.

The meeting wraps up today.